But jurors could not reach a decision over two counts of making a false statement in nomination papers.

Judge Anthony Bate said Mr Smith, who had been due to stand for election in Great Yarmouth, would face a second trial on those counts from 1 June.

On Wednesday the jury was discharged after more than 18 hours of deliberation over the two allegations.

Jurors had earlier found Mr Smith not guilty of four counts of making false statements and three of falsely signing nomination papers.

'Meticulous' investigation

The allegations related to Norfolk County Council elections in the Great Yarmouth area in 2013, when Mr Smith stood for election and acted as his party's electoral agent.

Judge Anthony Bate told the court he thought the case had been "properly brought to crown court".

"In my judgment it was a meticulous and thorough inquiry by police," he said.

Mr Smith, of High Street, Gorleston, had worked for the Conservatives, but left the party in 2011.

'Smear' attempt

All candidates standing as councillors must obtain 10 signatures on nomination forms. The prosecution alleged that seven out of eight forms submitted by UKIP in the council election had contained forged signatures.

Giving evidence, Mr Smith claimed he submitted forms with genuine signatures, but these were later substituted in an attempt to smear him.